How does a steam engine work Grade 4?
For both, a boiler heats water until the water becomes steam. In one type of engine, the steam is released into a chamber at high pressure. The steam expands and pushes against a piston that moves. When the steam is released from the chamber, the piston moves back to its original position.
What is a 4 6 2 steam locomotive?
Under the Whyte notation for the classification of steam locomotives, 4-6-2 represents the wheel arrangement of four leading wheels on two axles, six powered and coupled driving wheels on three axles and two trailing wheels on one axle. The 4-6-2 locomotive became almost globally known as a Pacific type.
What is the strongest steam locomotive?
Big Boy
The most powerful steam locomotive currently in operation is the Union Pacific “Big Boy” 4014, a simple articulated 4-8-8-4 locomotive capable of a tractive effort (pulling force) of 135,375 lbf (602 kN) at 10 mph.
What Is A 2 10 2 steam locomotive?
Under the Whyte notation for the classification of steam locomotives, 2-10-2 represents the wheel arrangement of two leading wheels, ten powered and coupled driving wheels, and two trailing wheels.
How much water does a steam locomotive use?
Water is the most significant limitation with most locomotives hauling loaded trains at express speeds being limited to about 100 miles (160 km) between fillings of the tender. For the A1 class an average of 40-45 gallons (113-137 litres) per mile is to be expected.
What is the dome on a steam engine for?
The steam dome is a vessel fitted to the top of the boiler of a steam locomotive. It contains the opening to the main steam pipe and its purpose is to allow this opening to be kept well above the water level in the boiler.
What is a 4-6-2 locomotive called?
Pacific
The 4-6-2 type, or “Pacific”, as the class was known, was the predominant steam passenger locomotive during the first five decades of the 20th century.
What was the fastest steam locomotive?
Mallard
Seventy five years ago a world record, still unmatched, was achieved by a steam engine called Mallard. For just a couple of minutes the locomotive thundered along at speeds of 126 miles per hour on a stretch of track just south of Grantham.
Are steam locomotives more powerful than diesel?
To begin with diesel locomotives were less powerful than steam engines which meant smaller train sizes (ie. e the amount of carriages they could tow) which you would have thought made them a less preferable option – so why make the switch?
What does Big Boy use for fuel?
Coal
Union Pacific Big Boy
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Fuel type | Coal (No. 4014 converted to No. 5 fuel oil) |
| Fuel capacity | 28 short tons (25.4 t; 25.0 long tons) |
| Water cap. | 4884-1: 24,000 US gal (91,000 l; 20,000 imp gal) 4884-2: 25,000 US gal (95,000 l; 21,000 imp gal) |
What is the largest locomotive ever built?
The Union Pacific locomotive, known as “Big Boy” 4014, is the largest locomotive ever constructed. It just rolled in to Southern California after a massive restoration project. Thousands of people welcomed the largest steam locomotive ever constructed as it made its way back to Southern California Wednesday.